Nursing Elites

1. A client is found on the floor of their room experiencing a seizure. Which action is the nurse's priority?

• A. Restrain the client
• B. Place the client on their side with their head forward
• C. Perform a neurological assessment
• D. Monitor the client's vitals every 2 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a seizure, the priority action for the nurse is to place the client on their side with their head forward. This position helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration of fluids or secretions. Restraint should never be used during a seizure as it can cause harm to the client. Performing a neurological assessment is important but not the immediate priority during an active seizure. While monitoring vitals is essential, ensuring the client's airway is clear takes precedence.

2. A nurse is assessing a client with pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Paradoxical pulse
• B. Dependent edema
• C. Pericardial friction rub
• D. Substernal chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A paradoxical pulse is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis that requires immediate intervention. It results from decreased cardiac output due to increased pressure in the pericardial sac. Reporting this finding promptly allows for timely treatment to prevent further deterioration. Dependent edema and substernal chest pain are common in pericarditis but are not as urgent as a paradoxical pulse. A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in pericarditis and indicates inflammation but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse.

3. A provider has written a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for a client who is comatose and does not have advance directives. A member of the client’s family says, 'I wonder when the doctor will tell us what’s going on.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Request that the provider provide more information to the family.
• B. Refer the family to a support group for grief counseling.
• C. Offer to answer questions that family members have.
• D. Ask the family what the provider has discussed with them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to ask the family what the provider has discussed with them. This allows the nurse to clarify any misunderstandings and ensures that the family is fully informed before providing further information. Option A is not the best choice because it assumes the need for more information without first understanding what has already been communicated. Option B is premature as the family may not be ready for grief counseling at this stage. Option C, although a good general practice, is not the most appropriate immediate action in this situation where clarifying existing information is crucial.

4. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• B. Suggest the partner avoid discussing their feelings
• C. Recommend immediate return to daily activities
• D. Advise the partner to remain strong

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to facilitate mourning is to encourage the partner to ask for help when needed. Grieving is a challenging process, and offering support and encouragement to seek help can be beneficial. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding discussing feelings can hinder the grieving process by suppressing emotions. Choice C is also incorrect as an immediate return to daily activities may not allow the partner to properly process their grief. Choice D is not the best approach as advising the partner to 'remain strong' may discourage the expression of emotions and seeking support, which are essential in the mourning process.

5. Which of the following are contraindications to salicylic acid therapy?

• A. Third trimester of pregnancy
• B. Thrombocytopenia
• C. Coronary artery disease
• D. Adolescents with chickenpox

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Third trimester of pregnancy. Salicylic acid is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus. Thrombocytopenia (choice B) is not a contraindication to salicylic acid therapy. Coronary artery disease (choice C) is not a specific contraindication to salicylic acid therapy. However, caution should be exercised in patients with coronary artery disease due to the antiplatelet effects of salicylic acid. Adolescents with chickenpox (choice D) should not be given salicylic acid due to the risk of Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Similar Questions